Dr. Josie Badger interview

Introduction to the Series

  • Host: A college instructor passionate about disability justice.

  • Purpose: To unpack ableism and explore advocacy in the disability community.

  • Initiative sponsored by: Duquesne Mission Grant aimed at integrating social justice into classroom discussions.

Introduction of Dr. Josie Badger

  • Dr. Badger is introduced as a talented and passionate advocate in the field of disability.

  • Visual description provided by the host includes:

    • Host: White woman, brown hair, glasses, green shirt, sitting in front of three large windows.

    • Josie: White woman, medium brown hair, maroon shirt, using a ventilator, with bedazzled tracheostomy ties.

Personal Connections

  • Shared love of pets between the host and Dr. Badger.

  • The personal nature of their relationship strengthened through shared interests and experiences in the disability community.

Dr. Josie Badger's Background

  • Educational Qualifications:

    • BA in Disability Law Advocacy from Geneva College.

    • Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh.

    • Doctorate in Health Care Ethics from Duquesne University.

  • Career Highlights:

    • Co-founder of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network focused on empowering youth with disabilities.

    • Co-founder of the Children’s Hospital Advisory Network for empowerment and guidance.

    • Role as Campaign Manager at "I Want to Work."

    • Director at the Reyes Center, focused on advocacy and employment technical assistance.

    • Founder of Jay Badger Consulting, providing services for transition-age youth.

    • Provided expert testimony at a Senate hearing on disability and economic rights.

Josie's Role in Advocacy

  • Current roles:

    • Senior field organizer for the Family Care Act.

    • Working on a regional advocate training program to teach lobbying skills to individuals with disabilities.

  • Importance of advocacy:

    • Emphasizes the need for individuals with disabilities to be heard in lobbying contexts.

    • The significance of sharing personal narratives to impact policy decisions.

Barriers to Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

  • Historical context of disability benefits:

    • Originated to support veterans and unable individuals post-war (1950s-70s).

  • Modern challenges:

    • Highly educated individuals with disabilities often face barriers to employment due to outdated systems not accommodating their needs.

    • Individuals may lose Medicaid or Medicare benefits if their income exceeds certain limits, creating a poverty trap.

Understanding Medicare vs. Medicaid

  • Explanation of Medicare:

    • Generally for older adults or individuals with disabilities associated with a primary caregiver's status.

  • Explanation of Medicaid:

    • State-funded program supporting low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.

  • Disability definition in policymaking:

    • Often defined by income potential rather than functional ability, which can misclassify capable individuals as non-disabled.

Cultural and Systematic Discrimination

  • Discussion on societal perceptions of disability:

    • The stigma of perceived limitations associated with disabilities often prevents individuals from realizing their potential.

  • Addressing the narrative:

    • Disability should be viewed as part of identity rather than solely a limitation.

Empowerment Through Advocacy

  • The importance of self-advocacy and communal support:

    • Sharing knowledge and skills empowers individuals to pursue their ambitions and have higher expectations.

  • Need for mentorship within disability communities:

    • Understanding the power of collective experiences to drive change.

Personal Reflection by Dr. Badger

  • Josie's evolution as an advocate:

    • Initially sought to minimize her disability, later embraced it as part of her identity.

    • Realization that her experiences allow her to speak truth and enact change in the disability community.

Challenges in Advocacy Work

  • Physical challenges:

    • Navigating a body with changing capacities; need for support and understanding of limitations.

  • Societal barriers:

    • Ignorance about disabilities persists, affecting how advocates are viewed and treated.

    • Accessibility issues limit participation in legislative discussions.

Legislative Advocacy

  • The challenge of securing funding for disability-related benefits:

    • The need for vulnerable storytelling to emphasize the necessity of funding for support services.

  • Rewarding aspects of advocacy:

    • Legislative wins, such as Pennsylvania's new laws allowing individuals with disabilities to earn more without losing benefits.

  • Understanding power dynamics in advocacy:

    • Importance of raising awareness around systematic barriers while recognizing the agency of individuals with disabilities.

The Importance of Allyship and Community Support

  • The role of allies:

    • Advocates must ensure diverse voices are included in discussions affecting disabled individuals.

  • Recognition of disability experiences as universal and significant.

Inspirational Moments in Advocacy Work

  • The transformative experience of witnessing someone realize their power as an advocate.

  • Mentoring younger advocates to take initiatives and share their stories in legislative spaces.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on personal stories as powerful tools for change.

  • Encouragement for future advocates to understand their worth and the value of community.

  • Call to action for continuous advocacy work and maintaining momentum in the fight for disability rights.